Ellie W.
About me
| Ellie W. | |
| Psychology | |
| Psychology | |
| Research Postgraduate | |
| James | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| MSc | |
| Sport and Exercise Psychology | |
| Liverpool John Moores University | |
| United Kingdom | |
| 2015 | |
| 2016 |
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BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Sport Psychology, soon to be a PhD student specialising in increasing treatment and rehabilitation adherence.
Why I continued studying
I knew I wanted to work in Psychology, and after spending so much of my time at York involved in sport, Sport and Exercise Psychology seemed like the natural progression.
What my course is like
My MSc is completely different to BSc (Hons) Psychology at York, as it is completely qualitative in focus. My lecturers are all practicing as Psychologists so it's really useful to be able to learn from their own experiences. Also, I am studying in the top research department for Sport and Exercise Sciences in the UK so like at York, you're learning from the people at the top of their game. My dissertation is a piece of research commissioned by the Football League, and because of my quantitative background at York, coupled with my MSc, I'm working on a project commissioned by England Netball. Additionally, I'm completing a placement with the NHS Child Weight Management Service to evaluate the existing intervention and pilot some of my own ideas.
I've had a great experience in such a diverse number of areas that have far surpassed what I expected when I arrived in September- I've loved it!
How I have funded my studies
Career Development Loan from Barclays Bank and worked part-time in a hotel.
What I like most
Learning from actual Psychologists and the variety of the course: we don't only study athletes, but a number of clinical conditions such as obesity and cardiac rehabilitation.
What I like least
Sport Psychology at LJMU is completely different to Psychology at York! I found it difficult to adjust from a heavily quantitative undergrad degree to a wholly qualitative MSc, and although it's been a challenge, I'm now a pretty competent mixed-methods researcher!
What surprised me most
I didn't really know what to expect, having never studied sport (other than coaching qualifications) before. I'm pleasantly surprised by how many opportunities have come my way, and I didn't expect to be conducting research commissioned by two governing bodies and the NHS at this early stage!
My career goals when I graduated
When I graduated I wanted to become a Sport Psychologist.
My advice to students considering further study
Do it! It's tough but it's been really beneficial for me and it's opened a lot of doors.
Other advice
Network as much as possible. LinkedIn is great for this, but there's nothing better than trying to talk to them face-to-face and making sure they know who you are and what you're interested in: it's why I've had the opportunities I've had!
Contacting me
I'll mentor anyone who needs a bit of help getting on in their careers, and I believe there's no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! I'm particularly interested in Psychology graduates and anyone who's been involved in Sport at York, as the Psychology department and the York Sport Union defined my time at York!
Next steps...
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